Skin tags and mental health have a deep connection: Doctor explains

A small, soft growth that hangs off the skin's surface, skin tags can appear on neck, armpits, thighs and even eyelids, and can be quite an annoying 'presence' on skin. Many people try to just twist and pull it, but that is said to cause bleeding, pain, infection and the risk of incomplete removal. Moreover, it is even connected to mental health, according to doctors. Dr Sapna Surendran, Senior Consultant of Dermatology at Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, explains the deep connection between our psychological state and skin issues like acne, eczema, persistent itching and skin tags. High levels of anxiety and depression can trigger or worsen various skin conditions, including certain autoimmune disorders that manifest on the skin, she says.

The rising prevalence of skin tags
One skin condition that is increasingly common, particularly among younger people, is the skin tag. Professionally known as acrochordon, these are benign, small growths that hang off the skin. They are most commonly found around the neck, armpits, groin, skin folds, and eyelids. While genetics play a major role in whether you develop skin tags, lifestyle factors are also highly significant. Conditions like obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes are major contributors to their development.

In the past, skin tags were less common among youth, primarily because metabolic and lifestyle disorders were less prevalent. While skin tags themselves are harmless and nothing to panic about, their presence alongside dark, velvety patches of skin around the neck (a condition known as acanthosis nigricans) warrants medical evaluation, as it often signals insulin resistance.

Safe removal methods versus dangerous home remedies
When it comes to getting rid of skin tags, dermatologists strongly advise against DIY methods. Many people resort to painful home remedies, such as applying toxic plant sap or tying tight threads around the growths to cut off blood supply. These practices are highly dangerous, causing severe pain, skin burns, and serious bacterial infections.

The safest and most effective way to eliminate skin tags is through professional procedures like radiofrequency ablation or laser removal. Dermatologists perform these quick procedures after applying a numbing cream to ensure the process is completely pain-free. A common concern is whether radiofrequency ablation will leave permanent scars on the face or neck. Fortunately, it only causes a tiny crust to form over the treated spot, which naturally heals and falls off within a few days, leaving the skin clear.